Casinos invite Jeb Bush to overcome opposition to gaming, better understand Nevada’s largest industry

Bush: “Yeah, I don’t like gambling, just for the record. Is that politically incorrect in Nevada?”
 
Ralston: “You’re probably saying that in the wrong place.”
 
Direct gaming taxes make up 47 percent of Nevada’s general fund revenue. Casino gaming contributes $53 billion to the Nevada’s economy, supports 425,000 jobs and generates nearly $8 billion in tax revenue. 
 
“Gaming is the lifeblood of Nevada’s economy, and we invite Governor Bush to visit a casino and meet gaming employees in Nevada in order to better understand our industry,” said Sara Rayme, AGA senior vice president of public affairs. “Candidates seeking votes in Nevada shouldn’t be averse to stepping foot inside a casino because they don’t like gambling. The reality is that embracing casino gaming will boost, not hurt, a candidate’s campaign.”
 
Earlier this year, the AGA launched its first-ever “Gaming Votes” initiative, which is educating candidates about the industry and informing gaming employees about the candidates as they visit key early-vote and battleground states – which also happen to be casino states. AGA is compiling a voter guide to share with gaming employees – voters – ahead of caucuses and elections. Polling shows that nine-in-ten American voters approving of gaming.